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Home , Abby Stein, Hanukkah menorah, Sports in Chicago

Shabbat Services ’s Column Friday Evening, December 4* is coming! Each year we celebrate 6:05 P.M. – Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Services Hanukkah by lighting the candles and retelling December Birthday Shabbat the story, concluding with the famous sentence whose acronym is found on our : “Nes SHABBAT Saturday Morning, December 5 at 10:30 A.M. Gadol Hayah Sham; a great miracle happened there.” Of course, what the miracle was depends Portion “Vayishlach” on your perspective on history – or on which version of history you choose to retell.

SHABBAT Friday Evening, December 11* For us, here in the challenging year 2020, we know we could use a 6:05 P.M. – Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Services good miracle. The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us. Some of us have been sick with COVID or have been dealing with a family Shabbat Chanukah Observance member’s illness. Some of us have been impacted fi nancially, being laid SHABBAT Saturday Morning, December 12 at 10:30 A.M. off, or furloughed. Some of us have struggled just to deal with the daily challenges of working at home, helping children attend school remotely, Torah Portion “Vayeshev” and ordering grocery deliveries. The pandemic has presented new and sometimes diffi cult challenges for all of us.

SHABBAT Friday Evening, December 18* Perhaps most signifi cantly, we have learned about the challenge 6:05 P.M. – Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Services of isolation. We as human beings are essentially social and so all of the routines required for “social distancing” test us daily. Our Jewish SHABBAT Saturday Morning, December 19 at 10:30 A.M. tradition teaches us that life is lived best in community and that we have responsibility for one another. Those who need help should not be Torah Portion “Miketz” embarrassed to ask and those who can help others, even a little, should not hold back. Within our congregation, that could mean the work of our Social Action Council’s ongoing projects to feed the hungry. It could also SHABBAT Friday Evening, December 25* mean our Member Services team and fi nance department confi dentially 6:05 P.M. – Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Services helping those of our members who have fallen on hard times. It could also mean members who are fi nancially able stepping up to contribute a SHABBAT Saturday Morning, December 26 at 10:30 A.M. little extra. And it also means just reaching out to one another with a kind Torah Portion “Vayigash” gesture, a phone call or FaceTime connection, an understanding ear and a generous heart. Living a life that matters means living as an active part of a mutually caring community. If you have an economic or spiritual SHABBAT Friday Evening, January 1* need, or if you are willing to help, please do not hesitate to be in touch. And of course, in the spirit of Hanukkah, we can all pray for a miraculous 6:05 P.M. – Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Services ending to this pandemic era and a return to normal life. January Birthday Shabbat * * * * * * * SHABBAT Saturday Morning, January 2 at 10:30 A.M. I want to alert the Congregation that I will be away on Sabbatical leave Torah Portion “Vayechi” from December 22 until March 1. I am grateful to the congregation for granting me this time to refl ect and refresh and I intend to return with some good stories to tell. In my absence President Helene Levine, *Please note time President-elect Neal Gussis, and the leadership of our congregation, together with Lori Sagarin, our Director of Congregational Learning, our Director of Music, Marla Aviva Bentley, and our Director of Operations, Amber Wood, will ensure that everything continues to run smoothly in LIKRAT SHABBAT congregational life and that your needs are addressed as usual. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch with them if you have any needs or concerns. We would like to belatedly thank Jon Schneider and Jane Page who made donations in honor of their November birthdays. We would like to thank Beth Sair and Vera Rubin who made donations in honor of their December birthdays.

December 2020 Kislev – Tevet 5781 Volume 104 Number 6 IN THE TEMPLE FAMILY FROM THE PRESIDENT MAZEL TOV TO: In Rabbi Darren Levine’s book Positive , Peggy and Ted Fiala, on the birth of their granddaughter, and Rabbi Levine defi nes “Positive Judaism” as the pairing Helene Rowe on the birth of her great granddaughter, Tessa Jayne. of ancient wisdom and modern science to help raise well-being in the lives of individuals, communities, and ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: the world. Tom Rath and Jim Harter, senior scientists The following Temple members are recovering from recent illness: at Gallup International, studied hundreds of thousands Scott Meyer, Nathan Fox, and Sharrel Titlebaum. We wish them a of people in over 130 countries to explore the following speedy recovery. question: Are there contributors to well-being that CONDOLENCES: transcend nationality, race, age, and religion? They We note with sorrow the passing of Rochelle Grillz”l, mother of concluded that well-being results from how people experience fi ve key Josh Grill. May her memory be for a blessing. areas in their lives: relationships, health, community, work and money. We note with sorrow the passing of Werner Lawsonz”l, father of Dina Berne. May his memory be for a blessing. I chose this book written in 2019 from Temple Beth ’s library. This book among many other new books, both non-fi ction and fi ction, IN MEMORIAM were given to us, from the relationship that we have developed with the Temple Beth Israel announces with profound sorrow the passing of Jewish Book Council. I found this book to be very interesting and wanted SHIRLEY SHECHTMANz”l to share just a small portion with you in this month’s From The President beloved mother of Devy Weitzman. bulletin column. May her memory be for a blessing. I would like to focus on one chapter of the book dealing with Rath B’RUCHIM HABA’IM - WELCOME! and Harter’s Five Areas of Well-Being. The fi ve areas of well-being differentiate a thriving life from one consumed with suffering and JOINING THE TBI FAMILY challenges. Overall happiness can improve with focus and attention to: Our coverage of new Temple Beth Israel members continues. We are delighted to welcome the following TBI households who have discovered Relationships: People with relationship well-being are surrounded just how friendly, supportive, and inclusive our community is. As it begins by people who encourage their development and growth, accept its second century, TBI offers a vibrant and welcoming presence in them for who they are, and treat them with respect. They deliberately Skokie, the North Shore, and beyond. spend time investing in their networks that surround them Jessica & Rob Lott Health: People with good health manage their health well. They , IL exercise regularly and as a result they feel better. They make good Children: Shuli, 5 dietary choices, which keeps their energy high throughout the day and sharpens their thinking. They enough sleep to process what Joining TBI represents a “homecoming” for Jessica (Shimberg) Lott. She grew up in they have learned the day before and to get a good start on the next Evanston, IL and attended and participated day. fully in the Temple from a young age. Jessica Community: People with high community well-being feel safe and is the daughter/step daughter of members, secure where they live and participate in their local community. They Jonathan Shimberg & Linda Crohn; Judy & Bob Kemp; sister/sister-in- take pride in their community and feel that it is headed in the right law of Joanna & Derek Lewis; aunt to their children, Naomi, Emilia and Eli; niece of Rabbi Michael & Jody Weinberg and Rob Weinberg & Joy direction. This often results in their wanting to give back and make a Wasserman. lasting contribution to society. Jessica, her husband, Rob and their young daughter, Shuli relocated Work: People with high work well-being wake up every morning with to the Chicago area after spending the past few years working and something to look forward to doing each day. They do work that fi ts residing in metro Washington, D.C. They longed to return here to be their strengths and interests. They have a deep purpose in life and closer to family and . plan to attain their goals. In most cases, they have a leader who motivates them and makes them enthusiastic about the future. First Impressions: “I have many wonderful memories from my years as a TBI student and working as the Program and Youth Director. Money: People with high fi nancial well-being manage their personal Returning here enables us to give our daughter, Shuli, a terrifi c Jewish fi nances well and spend their money wisely. They buy experiences education and benefi t directly from TBI’s religious school.” Jessica instead of just material possessions, and they give to others instead acknowledged. of always spending on themselves. At a basic level, they are satisfi ed Getting to Know You: Jessica coordinated social justice programs for with their overall standard of living. the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs in Chicago earlier in her career. She loves to teach and has done so with a range of audiences from toddlers Rabbi Levine goes on to explore if well-being is found in these fi ve to seniors, at synagogues and summer camps, on trips to Israel, interfaith areas, how can we increase well-being in these fi ve areas? There is so dialogue groups, and on campuses. much more information in Positive Judaism such as Jewish Well-Being in the Five Areas of Life; Activating Positive Judaism When Living Hurts; She is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and The Journey Forward: The Future of Positive Judaism. Philadelphia, PA and now serves as the campus rabbi at the Northwestern University Hillel in Evanston. Jessica has been involved in various If you have not yet selected a book from those given to us from the educational capacities with for more than 10 years at the Jewish Book Council, check with the TBI Offi ce as to when you can University of Delaware, Temple University and the University of Maryland possibly make a book selection. and at Hillel’s headquarters. Rob Lott serves as deputy editor of special content, Health Affairs, a On Friday December 11 at 6:05 p.m. we will hold our virtual Shabbat/ leading peer-reviewed journal of health policy thought and research. He is Chanukah Services. On Saturday December 12 at 10:30 a.m. we will now based locally after working for the publication in Bethesda, MD. Rob hold our virtual Shabbat Chanukah Services. Stay well and stay safe! previously functioned in various executive speech writing capacities. Wishing everyone a Happy Chanukah. Prepared by Norwin Merens, Helene Levine TBI Membership Committee President, TBI FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DECEMBER USED TO BE COMPLICATED CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING December used to be a complicated month for me. As a Jew by Dear Friends, choice, my family of origin still values Christmas. Not for the religious piece for the most part, but because it was the one time of year we were As I write this it is hard to know exactly what guaranteed to get together. December is going to look like but what I can say, without For most of my life, I lived overseas as part of a military family and hesitancy is that Hanukkah will begin on Thursday apart from my extended family. The fi rst time that I fl ew on an airplane I December, 10th at sundown. Hanukkah, which means was about 9 months old. We were headed to Portugal where my sister rededication comes from the Hebrew root the same would be born about 14 months later. A lifetime of travel meant that I root that builds the Hebrew word , which means was not connected to my extended family. I was about 9 when I realized education, forever linking rededication and learning that I had a family that extended beyond my parents, sister, and my and the festival of Hanukkah. grannie. I did not know my cousins or other grandparents particularly One of the most famous talmudic arguments takes place well. Christmas was the one time of year that we had regular contact between the great Hillel and Shamai. The disagreement is over with anyone outside of our very tight circle. the procedure for lighting the chanukiyah, the Hanukkah menorah. Fast forward 25(ish) years. After study and open conversation, I Shammai argues for beginning the holiday with the lighting of all of the decided that my heart and soul were Jewish, but that I needed (for me) candles and reducing each night, while Hillel argues for the increasing of to make it offi cial. I do not think it was an accident that my conversion light, adding a candle each night until they are fi lled. As we all know, Hillel happened on a cold day in the middle of December. That part of my emerges as the victor and to this day, we light the chanukiyah adding a conversion was simple. It was everything after that which made things candle each night and, in the words of Hillel, increasing the with more complicated, December included. Christmas would roll around and each passing day. This story has always served to remind me that in life, I would hesitate to sing carols out loud. What would my Jewish friends as with the lighting of the Hanukkah lights, we should serve to increase think? What would I think? Was that part of my life “over”? I struggled the light each day and build upon the mitzvot in our lives, not decrease with this for quite to understand my new place as a Jew in a Christian them. world. This is a different year. We see it everywhere but I believe that we After my kids were born, December became can take some important lessons from this minor holiday on the Jewish really complicated. My mother’s concern: what calendar and do what we can to bring light and increase it, to rededicate about Christmas? Was she not allowed to shower ourselves to learning and fi ght for freedom, the most precious message her grandchildren with gifts as she had always of the holiday wanted to do for me and my sister, but could not Personally, I will miss you all. I will miss seeing you at TBI for our due to fi nancial constraints? Was she allowed traditional Shabbat Hanukkah dinner, playing with M&M’s in the to let them decorate a tree? What about being Religious School, lighting the chanukiyah in the school lobby with all of together? the Hebrew school children on whatever night of the holiday falls on a I recoiled. If I let my mother do that, would Hebrew School day. I will miss it all but I am also strengthened by the people doubt my commitment to Judaism? Would hope for the future that the lights promise and for traditions which keep I doubt my commitment? Would I confuse my children? Would they us even when we can’t keep them. Wishing you all a festival of lights ever identify as ? Would presents wrapped in shiny red and green that indeed brings light to us all and brightens the path to a healthy and paper prevent them from seeing the beauty of Tikkum Olam or saying safe future. the Sh’ma? Chag Urim Samaeach, Through careful conversation, negotiation, and Lori B. Sagarin thoughtful open-minded discussion, we landed on the solution. We would “visit” Christmas. My husband and I would give Christmas gifts to my HELP US GET IT RIGHT! parents and sister’s family with the same joy and Please help us recognize your upcoming simcha correctly in love that my parents and sister give us Chanukah the Bulletin. If you are planning a bar or bat mitzvah, aufruf, baby gifts. We would wish them a happy Easter and naming or other life cycle event, please make sure we know exactly my sister would always calls to wish me a L’shana how you want your names to be listed. Without prior notifi cation, Tova each High Holy Days. We would remember the Bulletin will list names as they appear in our offi cial TBI records. and remind both sets of kids (my sister’s and Please email [email protected] with your information. mine) that going to a birthday party is always fun, but it does not mean that the day is about you. And we would endeavor to teach our kids that appreciating others practices and celebrations is part of being members of our Jewish community. The term “interfaith” covers a slew of types of families and interactions. From Jews by choice, to those married to non-Jews, to the children of Jews by Choice, we all have December decisions to make: can we create a conversation within our families to make sure space is made for all of us? My mother’s biggest fear was not actually about gifts; it was about being left out. It was about being secluded from even a small part of her grandchildren’s lives. Once I understood that, the conversation was more open and more thoughtful. My children, at 9 and 11 years old, have left me with no doubts. One conversation with them and you will know that every breath in their body is Jewish. You will know that they live, learn, and breathe Judaism. They relish in the Sh’ma at night. They dance to Mi Chamocha with joy. A few glittery presents were not going to turn them away from me or Judaism. What turns them towards Judaism is a sense of openness, a sense of Ahava (love); love of family, love of self, and love of tradition. That same tradition that brought my birth family together each year in December and still does each year. Chag Urim Samaeach (Happy Chanukah), my friends, Amber Wood Director of Operations CHAI NOTES BROTHERHOOD MATTERS FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR December 2020 Time to Look Ahead The other day, I was looking through my phone when Being in Chicago in December, most people’s thoughts I discovered a recording. Not just any recording, but are focused on two things: snow and cold. We also think the last recording. The very last recording I made with about Channukah, perhaps not one of the most important Rabbi Weinberg before the shutdown of the pandemic. of , but one of the more fun holidays, On March 14, 2020 in a regular Shabbat morning particularly if children and grandchildren are involved. Even service, Rabbi and I sang Mi HaIsh by Baruch Chait if we cannot all be physically together this year, Zoom has following the silent prayer, and I recorded it. When I shown us that we can still light candles together even if we are hundreds, thousands or just a few miles apart. We can still see the joy in a child’s noticed the date of March 14th, I immediately realized face as presents are opened (unless a teenager is involved; in which case its signifi cance, and stopped what I was doing to listen. a begrudging grunt as they return to texting). No matter your situation, After almost 9 months, I was able hear Rabbi and me TBI Brotherhood wishes you and your’s a happy holiday season. If you singing together, and I cried for joy. know of someone who might be alone during the season, give them a call To hear Rabbi and myself singing in the same room, and the poignant or arrange a Zoom. A little care and concern goes a long way. text of Mi HaIsh, was transformative. Mi HaIsh is from Psalm 34:13-15, In November, the Brotherhood began a new series called, and is translated as: “Who is the one who is eager for life, who desires “Discussions With a Rabbi.” The fi rst in the series was expertly led by years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from Rabbi Jim Sagarin. His topic “Jewish Perceptions of the Afterlife” was deceitful speech. Shun evil and do good; seek integrity and pursue it.” interesting, stimulating and thought provoking. The idea behind the series is that every other month TBI Brotherhood will invite a different This pandemic has changed so much about our lives, but for me, and Rabbi to lead a group discussion on an aspect of Jewish Living. The my fellow musicians, one of the most diffi cult things to adjust to, was life plan is to have a wide and diverse group of Rabbis; some Reform, others without live musical collaboration. Facing a life without harmony, a life Conservative, both male and female, and each with their own unique without choir, and life without live accompaniment, has left a void for so topic and perspective. many of us. I am sure that you feel it too. One of the very best parts of Upcoming TBI Brotherhood Events Shabbat at TBI is experiencing your beautiful voices singing together, At the time that this is being written the fi nal dates for some of the our collective harmony singing to Adonai. With Zoom, live collaboration Brotherhood events are still being determined. All of the events will be is nearly impossible, but that does not mean you have to live without it in the TBI Calendar by the point of publication of the December Bulletin. completely. • SPORTS TALK with Jeff Agrest tentatively scheduled for Sunday, December 6th at 10:00 A.M. (Check the TBI Calendar As many of you know, before the pandemic, I had been in the process for confi rmation). There are few people who know more about of recording our prayers during services. I had recorded off and on for Chicago Sports than Jeff Agrest. His 20 years’ experience in months, and then over the course of more than a year, had edited each Chicago sports gives him incredible insight into what is happening track, uploaded the tracks to SoundCloud and then carefully embedded and what’s going to be happening in all things sports in Chicago. each track on the Prayer pages of my website. I am glad to say that I • “Discussion with a Rabbi” scheduled a Thursday night in December have been able to unearth more recordings, and as my Chanukah gift to (look to the TBI Calendar or Brotherhood Eblasts or Staying Health you, they are now available to listen to at: https://marlaaviva.edublogs. at TBI for fi nal details). Led by Rabbi Toby Manewith, a Rabbi org/prayer/. To make each page easier to load, I have also divided the at the Board of and former Director of Lifelong recordings into individual prayer pages based on the order of the service. Learning at Temple Beth-El and Director of Education, Emanuel You can fi nd pages for: Welcoming Shabbat, Kabbalat/Evening Shabbat, Congregation: Reform Synagogue of Chicago. Rabbi Manewith Shabbat Morning, /T’fi lah, Torah Service and Concluding Prayers, will bring her years of devotion to Jewish learning to TBI as we continue “Discussion with a Rabbi” series. High Holy Days, , Festivals and Holidays, and Prayers for Use at Home. • December Brotherhood Meeting, is scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. All Brotherhood members are The prayer recordings are not exhaustive, many of our favorite encouraged to attend this Zoom based monthly meeting and melodies are not yet recorded. However, I look forward to a time, after participate in the planning of Brotherhood events and activities. the pandemic, when it will be safe for our community to sing together in In the last several Brotherhood Bulletin columns, I have concluded person again. When we reach that blessed day, I will record again, and this article with information about a serious topic that is observed during continue this project long into the future. These recordings are for you, that month. In October, we discussed Suicide Prevention. November our congregation; sing with them, learn with them, enjoy them and know was National Health Observance and Awareness Month. I think we have that someday, we will sing together again. had enough serious. December is National Tie Month and here is a bit of tie trivia brought to us by “Nationaldaycalendar.com” To hear Mi Haish, and all the newest uploaded recordings visit: 1. Neckties originated when Croatian soldiers wore silk scarves; at https://marlaaviva.edublogs.org/prayer/ or https://soundcloud.com/ the time, they were called cravats. marla-aviva-bentley. 2. $220,000. Believe it or not, that is the price of the most expensive Joy & Blessings, tie ever made. It was created by Satya Paul Design studio and contained 271 diamonds and 150 grams of gold. Talk about a class Marla Aviva Bentley act. *insert wide eyes and jaw-dropped face here* 3. There was a time in history when touching a man’s necktie was cause for a duel. 4. Ties are not at their height of popularity anymore, but the year that ATTENTION JOURNALISTS AND they were, American’s spent over $1 billion dollars on 100 million ties. ASPIRING JOURNALISTS! 5. You can buy a special tie that will block a 9-millimeter bullet from piercing your skin. (Hopefully, though, you do not have to.) Reminder: Material for the bulletin is Different versions of the tie have been around since the Roman due electronically to the Bulletin Editor at Empire. The modern version of the necktie was developed during the [email protected] on the 10th of Industrial Revolution, as more people were seeking neckwear that was the month prior to publication (unless it is comfortable and easy to put on. Colored, hand-painted neckties came a holiday). If you do not have access to a into prominence after World War I. Bow ties and ascot-type ties also computer, please submit paper copy to the enjoyed varying levels of popularity during the 19th and 20th centuries. Temple offi ce by the 7th of the month prior The bow tie was developed originally as a smaller version of the cravat. to publication so that it can be transcribed and sent by the 10th. The deadline for the As 2020 comes to an end TBI Brotherhood hopes that 2021 brings January bulletin is December 10th. Have an each and every one of us, the year we would like it to be. idea for an article? Send it in! Randall Heman TBI Brotherhood President SISTERHOOD NEWS SISTERHOOD ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS Eighteen Sisterhood TBI members attended the Women of Reform JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES Judaism Midwest District Virtual Convention from October 15-18, 2020. Jessica and Michael Hornick ...... 1/4/2003 WRJ Midwest District membership includes over 2,800 women from Linda and Barry Lewison ...... 1/26/1969 Sisterhoods and Women’s Groups in , Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. We are very JANUARY BIRTHDAYS proud that Sisterhood TBI is well represented on the current board of the Dorothy Anderson...... 1/3 WRJ Midwest District. Our TBI sisters are Andi Blain, VP Marketing & Communications; Laura Cooper and Sheila Rosenfeld, Area Directors for Kathy Kirn...... 1/3 Metropolitan Chicago; and Linn Ullenbrauck, Department of Marketing Paula Hyman ...... 1/7 and Communications, Marketing Technology and Social Media. In Debbie Kohl ...... 1/13 addition, Joanne Merritt served on the Midwest District Nominating Lorri Fishman ...... 1/16 Committee. Thank you for your service, ladies! Linda Lewison...... 1/17 The conference offered many opportunities for Midwest District Regina Kreitzman...... 1/18 women to learn, pray and socialize. The convention theme was “Raising Lisa Gelfond ...... 1/20 Women’s Voices…Telling our Stories…Making a Difference.” There were Rebecca Lieber ...... 1/20 two special learning opportunities: Harriet Arons...... 1/21 • “Unchecking the Box—Breaking Down Stereotypes.” A panel of Stephanie Tuchten ...... 1/21 three bi-racial Jewish women discussed their experiences and Amber Wood...... 1/21 provided recommendations on how to identify, confront and stop Alice Solovy ...... 1/24 inappropriate questions and assumptions. Would you like to celebrate simchas and benefi t Sisterhood • “The Fight for Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice.” Among TBI? Uniongrams are only $2.00 each. Contact: Candy Siegel, the panelists were Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Chelsea [email protected], 847-679-4707. Diaz, ACLU Illinois Advocacy Associate. The panel discussed reproductive justice, Judaism and reproductive rights, legislation and a call to action to make a difference. SISTERHOOD OPEN MEETING Following Havdalah on Saturday evening, we were treated to a PROGRAMS concert by celebrated singer-songwriter and performer of contemporary Jewish music, Julie Silver. Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel’s December 2nd Open Program Meeting, “Book Recommendations for 2020-2021,” will feature Lori The conference programs, discussions, assembly, concert and B Sagarin. Lori will be speaking about some of her favorite books. worship were an inspiring celebration of the power of women’s voices. This program is always a winner. It will provide us with wonderful reading suggestions that we can enjoy throughout the coming months. This virtual program will start at 12:45 pm to allow time ------for a short business meeting. A registration link will be included in the Temple and Sisterhood eblasts. Upon registering, you will be The Diaper Drive organized by Sisterhood TBI was a success! Our sent the Zoom link. If you have any questions please email Laura total collection over a three-week period was 2,641 diapers, $75.00 in Cooper or Jane Page. Target gift cards and $10.00 in cash. The First United Methodist Church in Evanston, which coordinates this program, thanked the members of TBI for their support. METROPOLITAN CHICAGO Please join together online on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 PM to JEWISH POPULATION STUDY learn about SHALVA, the oldest independent, Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States. SHALVA carries out its mission by providing Every ten years, a study is conducted in the Chicagoland area counseling, supportive services and community education. Since 1986, to learn about the size and characteristics of our Jewish community. SHALVA has worked to break the cycle of abuse by giving survivors the The goal of the study is to learn more about the characteristics, attitudes, and needs of community members to inform future support they need and educating the community about intimate partner programming and planning. abuse. Presented by Sisterhood TBI Department of Social Action. Look for the fl yer in this Bulletin for details. NORC at the University of Chicago, in partnership with Brandeis University, is conducting the study, which is sponsored by the Don’t miss the Sisterhood TBI Judaica Gift Shop Year Round & Jewish United Fund (JUF).You may already have received a letter, email, and/or a phone call from NORC at the University of Chicago Holiday Catalog, available through the TBI website. Judaica Shop asking for your participation in this survey. If not, you may receive manager Linn Ullenbrauck has designed an appealing catalog featuring one in the coming weeks. If you are contacted by phone, the Caller holiday gifts, ritual items, fi ne art, jewelry, toys, clothing, kitchen items, ID will say “NORC U CHICAGO.” Any letter you receive about this note cards, books and music CDs, all with a Jewish theme. The fi rst night will come from NORC at the University of Chicago. Email messages of Chanukah is December 10th this year, so now is the time to shop for all will come from [email protected]. Please check spam folders for of your Chanukah needs. Sisterhood TBI Judaica Gift Shop accepts cash, invitations you might have missed. check or all major credit cards. Contact Linn Ullenbrauck at linneupooh@ If you are invited, we encourage you to complete the survey and att.net for questions or to arrange for curb side transactions.. represent the entire Jewish population of the Chicagoland area. Because this is a scientifi c survey, only a sample of community Stay safe and well. members are invited to participate. Respectfully submitted, If you have questions about the study, please contact David Cynthia Miller and Pam Lavine Rubovits at the Jewish United Fund ([email protected]). Co-Presidents – Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel RABBI WEINBERG: LEADS WITH CONVICTION, SPEAKS OF HOPE In the Spirit of Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship The Rabbi then presented the Pope Last month’s Interfaith Thanksgiving service with a letter from then Cardinal Francis sponsored locally by the Niles Township George in Chicago as well as a book, Clergy Forum recognized the organization’s A Legacy of Catholic-Jewish Dialogue: 50th anniversary of coming together as a The Joseph Cardinal Bernadin unifi ed community while sharing its insights, Jerusalem Lectures (Liturgy Training its cultures and its gratitude. Quite impressive Publications, 2012), which chronicles achievements considering the challenges faced by so many during this the Catholic-Jewish lecture series that year’s global (and nationwide) coronavirus pandemic. occurs annually in Chicago, symbolic Our very own Rabbi Michael Weinberg spoke of hope and encouraged of the relationship between Chicago’s those viewing the interfaith service -- through zoom or streaming -- to Jewish community and the Archdiocese of Chicago. recognize that one day in the near future our lives will begin to actually What follows are the views expressed by rabbis and clergy in the improve as vaccinations to effectively combat the virus are produced and Chicago metro area when asked to comment on Rabbi Weinberg’s four made available to the public. decades of active service and specifi cally his 34 years at TBI. In the meantime, wearing masks, maintaining social distances of at “Rabbi Michael Weinberg is a rabbi’s rabbi. What that means is that he least six feet, limiting indoor public gatherings to 10 people and regularly is regularly consulted by many other rabbis for his good judgment in the washing hands are precautions that no one can afford to take lightly. face of complex problems, for his vast Jewish learning and knowledge It’s the kind of inspired and direct messaging one would expect from … He is the one to whom we, the professional staff of the JUF/Jewish Rabbi Weinberg whose participation in local clergy groups has been a Federation of Chicago, regularly turn when we need advice and rabbinic priority since he was ordained as a rabbi in 1980 and remains integral to leadership.” his Temple Beth Israel (TBI) rabbinate of nearly 34 years. Rabbi Yehiel Poupko At the recent Thanksgiving event a wide variety of Christian Senior Rabbinic Scholar at JUF denominations and representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Baha’i, Chicago, IL Buddhist and Hindu religious communities attended from their respective houses of worship by accessing online applications. Prayers, music, Note: Rabbi Weinberg was an active participant in Presbyterian/ sacred writings, refl ections and meditation were woven together during Jewish Dialogue and served as co-chair of Catholic-Jewish Scholars the service with the common theme of gratitude representing so many Dialogue series, traditions. “I met Rabbi Michael Weinberg shortly after arriving as senior pastor “During these times, the desire to express gratitude is especially of Second Baptist Church in Evanston. In fact, he was one of the fi rst felt among all religions and in our secular society. How people express clergy representatives in the area to schedule an appointment to meet thanksgiving takes many different approaches,” Rabbi Weinberg noted. with me. We had a wonderful conversation in the summer of 2015. Shortly He added, “Our Interfaith Thanksgiving celebration is an opportunity after our initial meeting Rabbi Weinberg called and asked me if we might for people of diverse traditions, to listen and to better understand one bring volunteers to Temple Beth Israel as they packed and loaded boxes another.” of non-perishables into semi-trucks. This effort was to assist fl ood victims It is that type of openness and dialogue that demonstrates Rabbi in Houston, TX. Not only did we send volunteers, but my son, Pierce Weinberg’s leadership as a contributing member of community-based (then 13) and I also volunteered. organizations where clergy and rabbis come together for meaningful Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors conversation and collaboration. Just 2-1/2 years ago, (April 2018), the Pastor, Second Baptist Church local clergy forum issued a formal statement on gun violence that was President, Evanston, IL/North Shore NAACP signed by 12 representatives of -based entities, including Rabbi Weinberg. “I have admired Rabbi Weinberg’s leadership of the pluralistic The statement concluded: “Our religious creeds diverge in many Rabbinic Action Committee sponsored by the JUF. He is able to ways. And yet, compelled by our deepest convictions, we join together, relate well and sincerely with colleagues from all streams of the issuing a clarion call for a more peaceful society.” Yet another example Jewish community. In this work, he effectively brings together Reform, of the constructive work and positive impact that has marked Rabbi Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox rabbis on missions and in Weinberg’s ongoing commitment to make a substantive difference within study sessions that have helped build great relationships and enhance the Niles Township community. understanding. In January 2014, Rabbi Weinberg joined other Chicago area rabbis Rabbi Emeritus Steven S. Mason on the Jewish United Fund (JUF) Rabbinic Action Committee mission. North Shore Congregation Israel They met with Pope Francis in Vatican City during the weekly papal Glencoe, IL assembly in St. Peter’s Square. “I greeted the Pope with a handshake and with the word ‘shalom,’ to Prepared by Norwin Merens which he responded, ‘shalom’ with a big smile,” Rabbi Weinberg noted. Rabbi Weinberg Tribute Committee

TBI AND ZOOM For someone who does not consider herself a techie, I have come to love the Zoom offerings from TBI. The Friday Night and Saturday Morning Shabbat Services are highlights in my week. I also enjoyed Marla’s fascinating class about what makes Jewish music Jewish. I felt honored to be invited to a Brotherhood Zoom meeting and enjoyed that, too. I also participated in some of Lori’s magazine article discussions and was introduced to magazines I had not known about. Amber does a terrifi c job of facilitating Temple’s Zoom meetings. If you have a problem, she will solve it for you. It is actually easy (and believe me, if I can say anything about a computer is easy, it’s easy!) Here’s how it works: the Weekly eBlast will include a link to the meeting. It has a password or “meeting number”. You go to the Zoom app on your computer or tablet (or maybe even your phone). The Zoom app is a little camera icon on a blue background. Once you open the app, it will say “join meeting.” You type in the meeting number, then wait to be connected. You have an option to join with video. This means you can be seen or not as you choose. You also will have a choice as to how you want to have sound. If my explanation still is not clear, please ask Amber for clarifi cation. We cannot meet in person, but I hope to see you on Zoom in the meantime. As the old commercial said, “Try it, you’ll like it!” Alice Solovy Proud TBI Member LGBTQ+: AN INCLUSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS COMMUNITY OF CELEBRATION A minimum contribution of $15.00 (unless otherwise noted) for donation to be acknowledged with a card and published in the bulletin. TBI’s Keshet LGBTQ+ Action Committee has some phenomenal programming coming in December and January. As we continue on our SIDNEY I. COLE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND journey as a Temple community to embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ+ Provides camp scholarships for our students who attend Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute Camp members and prospective members, this is a tremendous learning Donor In Honor of opportunity for us to broaden our awareness and understanding of Laura and Norwin Merens ...... Rabbi Weinberg’s LGBTQ+ people in our extended Jewish community. Chicago Board of Rabbis Award First, we are offering an open training and discussion session on Donor In Memory of LGBTQ+ topics on December 20, 2020 at 10:00AM. This will be a Eunice Burns ...... Jerry Berman LGBTQ+ introductory training session followed by a safe space for Q&A. Laura and Norwin Merens ...... Louis Sarcu We will follow the LGBTQ+ introductory training with a second training RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND session for those who want a deeper dive into these topics. Stay tuned Provides funds for charitable uses within and outside for additional information on the second training opportunity. the congregation at the discretion of the Rabbi Donor In Honor of Next, on January 12th, 2021 at 7:00PM, we are excited and grateful Ione and Steven Novak ...... Rabbi Weinberg’s to have the opportunity to participate in a discussion with Rabbi Abby Chicago Board of Rabbis Award Stein. Abby Stein is a Jewish educator, author, speaker, and activist. Deanne and Bernie Losoff ...... Rabbi Weinberg and the She was born and raised in a Hasidic family of rabbinic descent, and is a beautiful High Holy Day Services direct descendant of the , the founder of . And the beautiful new member gift bag Abby attended , completing a rabbinical degree in 2011. In 2012, Judy and Billy Wenger ...... the baby naming of their grandson, Leonard Doron Wenger she left the Hasidic world to explore a self-determined life. In 2015, Abby Marcia Bressler...... Rabbi’s Wednesday Class came out as a woman of trans experience. Since coming out, she has Donor In Memory of been working to raise support and awareness for trans rights and those Sisterhood TBI ...... Stacy Oliver leaving Ultra-Orthodoxy. Barbara Grier and Michael Swarzman ...... Werner Lawson Her story has been covered in , , Terri Marcus ...... Lenard Marcus Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Jewish Daily Forward, Daily EDUCATION FUND Mail, NBC, Vogue, InStyle, and more, as well as live appearances on Provides funds for Jewish education at TBI CNN, , HuffPost Live, ShowTime, NowThis, PopSugar and Donor In Honor of internationally. In 2016, Abby was named by The Jewish Week as one Sue Schneider ...... the speedy recovery of Marleen & Jerry Lipschultz of the “36 Under 36” young Jews who are inspiring change in the world. Jan and Steven Shiffman In 2018 she was awarded the Pride Award by the Borough Bill Levy and Patrick Schwarz ...... Andrew Selig’s Bar Mitzvah President. She studied gender studies and political science at Columbia Bill Levy and Patrick Schwarz ...... Stephen Hersh’s Bar Mitzvah University in . Abby’s book Becoming Eve: My Journey Bill Levy and Patrick Schwarz .... Michael Lorge, October’s Unsung Hero from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Woman, a coming-of-age Bill Levy and Patrick Schwarz memoir, was published by Seal Press in November 2019. Marilyn and Gary Rubin ...... Norwin Meren’s FJMC Ma’asim Tovim Award So much of what Rabbi Abby Stein teaches and explains resonates. Bill Levy and Patrick Schwarz When she discusses how Judaism teaches us to “celebrate” our LGBTQ+ Naomi Bayer and Stuart Brandhandler.... the birth of Sarah Chava Miller community, not “tolerate” us, I feel validated and I know how important Judy and Billy Wenger ...... Rebecca Lieber’s help with their it is not to feel “tolerated”. I appreciate how Rabbi Stein references the grandson’s baby naming to explain that Judaism has integrated within its teachings and Donor In Memory of philosophies that Judaism celebrates human diversity. Wendy Fox and Jon Schneider ...... Jack Fox Beth and Ralph Sair ...... Shirley Shechtman You will get a lot out of this discussion, whether or not you read her Martha Garber ...... Rosalie Garber and Mitchell Trubitt book ahead of time. Additionally, we will be planning a post discussion Martha Garber ...... Marvin Einhorn conversation to further talk amongst ourselves about what Abby teaches, Sheila and Eddie Rosenfeld ...... Aaron Heller our reactions, questions, ideas, etc. Ione and Steven Novak ...... Louise Polotowsky Ione and Steven Novak ...... Irina Vyazovsky Randie Chubin ...... Rochelle Grill Add a placeholder to your calendars for these fantastic events! MUSIC FUND December 20, 2020 at 10AM: Johanna Fine - LGBTQ+ Provides funds for music programs introductory training session followed by a safe space for Q&A Donor In Honor of Nina and David Henry ...... Nathan Fox’s and Scott Meyer’s January 12, 2021 at 7PM: Rabbi Abby Stein on Becoming Eve: speedy recovery My Journey from Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman Donor In Memory of The TBI Keshet LGBTQ+ Action Committee is welcoming Ione and Steven Novak additional members to our team. We are also open to your ideas for Leah Beth and Michael Ostrar ...... Marvin Einhorn programming. Contact Laurie Kimmel & Johanna Fine for additional SOCIAL SERVICE FUND information at [email protected]. Provides support for social service programs within the temple and in the surrounding community and to some individual recipients Donor In Honor of Laura Merens ...... Norwin Meren’s FJMC Ma’asim Tovim Award Donor In Memory of Paula and Dan Sabin...... Betty Giffi n Stay Safe and Barbara and David Slivnick ...... Sol Yates TORAH FUND Healthy Together. Provides support for all Temple programs Donor In Honor of Nancy and Joel Goodman ...... Rabbi Paul Goodman CONTACTING TBI Helene Levine, President ...... 847-675-0612 [email protected] Rabbi Michael A Weinberg ...... 847-275-6759 [email protected] Lori B Sagarin, DRJE ...... 847-323-1899 [email protected] Marla Aviva Bentley, Music Dir ...... 734-476-3187 [email protected] Amber Wood, Dir of Ops ...... 847-213-0439 [email protected] Offi ce: 847-675-0951 (Offi ce hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Thurs; 9am-3pm Fri) Mari Plotnik, Offi ce ...... [email protected] (Mon-Fri) Rebecca Lieber, Member Svc ..... [email protected] (Mon, Wed, Fri) Tanya Frid, Bookkeeper...... [email protected] (Mon-Thurs)

PATRIOTISM GIVES US TIME TO PAUSE, REFLECT ON VETERANS SHABBAT Some of the pomp and circumstance may have been less obvious; that offers little assurance of immediate job placement upon graduation. however there was still plenty of patriotism evident during last month’s Another important aspect of this year’s program was TBI’s ongoing Veterans Shabbat sponsored by TBI’s Brotherhood on Friday, Nov. 13. support of a food insuffi ciency project to support veterans through the Unlike previous programs, more than 100 congregants and friends of the Evanston Vet Center. Chairing this initiative for Temple were Megan Temple community viewed this year’s event by Zoom and live streaming Abraham and Debbie Shulruf. because of the pandemic. Brotherhood and TBI’s Social Action Council worked collaboratively to Credit for organizing the Shabbat goes to Arnie Oskin, who serves support the needs of local veterans who are struggling to put food on the as a Brotherhood co-chaplain and is a military veteran. Since 2014, he table for themselves and their families during these challenging times, has been responsible for organizing the event and introducing special Arnie Oskin explained. “We were delighted to present John Ross, Vet fl ourishes to keep content vibrant and participants engaged. Center director and James Harkins, military/veteran outreach specialist, Also, a hearty “thank you” to Rabbi Weinberg and Marla Aviva gift cards totaling more than $650 from Temple members,” he added. Bentley for leading the worship portion of the service; Amber Wood Speaking on behalf of the Vet Center, Harkins, a 25-year Army & and the Temple offi ce staff for monitoring online access and addressing Navy military veteran, expressed his thanks for TBI’s generosity during numerous administrative details, including a special insert recognizing all the recent Thanksgiving and upcoming holiday season. He said Temple who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and/or are currently engaged stands apart from other centers of worship in the Chicago area in in the military within the TBI congregational family. addressing the challenges of food insuffi ciency for veterans. Jolie & David Rubin spoke at Shabbat services and described the Donations can still be made to TBI specifying that it be for the Social experiences of their younger son, Lyle Rubin, 23. He serves in the U.S. Service Fund – Veterans MAZON – funds received going directly to Air Force as a staff sergeant with operations intelligence responsibilities veterans. Contributors should indicate if the donation is in honor or and is based in North Pole, AK. Serving in the military and pursuing memory of a family member or someone else. One does not have to be a bachelor’s degree concurrently have been rewarding experiences a veteran to make a donation. for Lyle. According to David, military service offers great opportunities to pursue a course of study and receive a college degree without the Norwin Merens worries of piling up considerable student debt and/or selecting a major TBI Brotherhood PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT SKOKIE, IL Change Service Requested Temple Beth Israel Bulletin (USPS 537-480) Published Monthly by

3601 W. • Skokie, Illinois 60076 847.675.0951 • www.tbiskokie.org Michael A.Weinberg, Rabbi Lori B.Sagarin, RJE, Director of Congregational Learning Marla Aviva Bentley, Director of Music Amber Wood, Director of Operations Helene Levine, President Ernst M. Lorge, Rabbi Emeritus* S. Felix Mendelsohn, Founding Rabbi* *of Blessed Memory DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE RUSH Printed by Total Graphics